Apple and Google Partnership: Integrating Gemini AI Models

Apple has embarked on a multi-year collaboration with Google to incorporate Gemini artificial intelligence models into its ecosystem, representing a pivotal change in the iPhone maker’s AI approach. This deal, announced on 12th January 2026, will see Google’s generative AI technology underpin the upcoming generation of Siri and various features of Apple Intelligence.

Details of the Collaboration

The partnership follows what both companies referred to as a “careful evaluation”, where Apple identified Google’s technology as the most suitable foundation for its future AI models. According to the agreement, the forthcoming generation of Apple Foundation Models will utilise Gemini along with Google’s cloud infrastructure. This initiative is anticipated to enhance Apple’s AI capabilities as the company has experienced various challenges and delays in creating its own competitive models.

Impact on Google and Alphabet

For Alphabet, Google’s parent company, this agreement signifies a significant distribution milestone. While Gemini already supports Google’s search features and Pixel smartphones, this partnership will implant the technology across Apple’s user base of over two billion active devices. Following the announcement, Alphabet’s market capitalisation saw a brief rise, surpassing $4 trillion for the first time, indicating investor confidence in its standing in the ongoing AI battle against competitors like OpenAI.

Privacy Considerations

Despite the deep integration with Google, Apple has stressed that maintaining privacy standards remains a key focus. Apple Intelligence will primarily operate on-device and through Private Cloud Compute to ensure user security. Although Apple previously utilised OpenAI’s ChatGPT for specific complex queries in late 2024, analysts believe that Gemini will now serve as the main intelligence layer, relegating OpenAI to a more supportive role.

Relationship with Other Manufacturers

An important aspect to consider is that Gemini is already the driving force behind much of the ‘Galaxy AI’ implemented by Samsung in its smartphones. Therefore, this collaboration between Apple and Google has the potential to establish Google’s Gemini as the primary AI model for two of the largest smartphone manufacturers in the world.

Reactions and Market Reception

The partnership has attracted criticism from industry competitors. Tesla CEO Elon Musk referred to the alliance as an “unreasonable concentration of power,” pointing out Google’s existing dominance over Android and Chrome. Nonetheless, the collaboration reinforces a longstanding financial connection between the two companies, as Google pays Apple billions each year to maintain its status as the default search engine on iPhones and iPads. The first Siri features powered by Gemini are expected to be launched later this year.